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3 days in Honolulu

Created by Dawna L. Robertson

When you see all the activities, attractions and recreation options laid out for Honolulu visitors, it can be quite daunting. This tour of what's tops in Honolulu is a great mix of ocean action, natural attractions and historic sites.

Day 1

The 44-ft. Maita`i Catamaran takes off three times daily to sail the beautiful waters fronting the world’s most famous beach, Waikiki. Aside from incredible views and the exhilaration that comes with being on the ocean, the smooth riding twin-hulled rig serves up adult libations for passengers who are of age.

Many of Hawaii’s alii (royalty) lived in Waikiki and King Kalakaua selected a 300-acre track of land at the base of Diamond Head for a public park in 1867. Today, it is a gathering place that thrives with walkers, runners, tennis enthusiasts and picnickers. Grab lunch on Kalakaua Avenue and enjoy it in one of the shaded picnic areas scattered around this colorful park.

The 310,000-sq.-ft. Royal Hawaiian Center sits on land once known as Helumoa, the home of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop in the 1870s and 1880s. It’s highlighted by the 33,000-square-foot Royal Grove, one of the largest open green spaces in Waikiki. Throughout the day, the event-friendly area showcases entertainment and cultural activities, including arts of Hawaiian quilting, lomilomi...
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The 310,000-sq.-ft. Royal Hawaiian Center sits on land once known as Helumoa, the home of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop in the 1870s and 1880s. It’s highlighted by the 33,000-square-foot Royal Grove, one of the largest open green spaces in Waikiki. Throughout the day, the event-friendly area showcases entertainment and cultural activities, including arts of Hawaiian quilting, lomilomi massage, ukulele playing, hula dancing, lei making and kapa cloth making. No worries if you’ve been at the beach and are covered with sand. That’s the case with most visitors! Less

Fee: No
Duration of visit: 1-2 hours

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Day 2

Buzzing with vendors, shoppers, business people and tourists, this sliver of Downtown Honolulu is an exciting mix of history, mystery and fun. Amid the lei stands, noodle factories, hole-in-the-wall eateries and herbal medicine shops, the Oahu Market attracts locals recognizing it for savory selections of fresh meats, fish and produce. Remember to frequently look up from the street...
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Buzzing with vendors, shoppers, business people and tourists, this sliver of Downtown Honolulu is an exciting mix of history, mystery and fun. Amid the lei stands, noodle factories, hole-in-the-wall eateries and herbal medicine shops, the Oahu Market attracts locals recognizing it for savory selections of fresh meats, fish and produce. Remember to frequently look up from the street level while walking around the district since many of the old buildings that were renovated have retained their original façade and completion date on the second story. Less

Originally intended as a royal residence, the historic Aliiolani Hale was reconfigured to house government offices when Iolani Palace was constructed. Today, it’s still the home of Hawaii’s Supreme Court.

In front of the Aliiolani Hale building is the King Kamehameha I Statue. Facing Iolani Palace on the corner of King and Mililani streets, this landmark depiction of the warrior king who united the Hawaiian Islands emits a sense of strength and unity as he stands with outstretched arms.

Day 3

Sea Life Park, Hawaii's marine life comes alive in a dazzling display that will entertain and delight visitors. Located just 15 miles from Waikiki, on Oahu's beautiful and scenic Makapuu Point, Sea Life Park is a world-class marine attraction perched between the majestic Koolau Mountain Range and breathtaking Makapuu Beach. See dolphins swim, sea lions sing, and penguins perform in this...
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Sea Life Park, Hawaii's marine life comes alive in a dazzling display that will entertain and delight visitors. Located just 15 miles from Waikiki, on Oahu's beautiful and scenic Makapuu Point, Sea Life Park is a world-class marine attraction perched between the majestic Koolau Mountain Range and breathtaking Makapuu Beach. See dolphins swim, sea lions sing, and penguins perform in this magical place by the sea. Less

Further along Kalanianaole Highway is the Makapuu Lighthouse hiking trail. This easy route with its moderate incline to the 647-ft. summit is a popular spot during whale season between December and April. This is a definite photo opportunity even when humpbacks aren’t spouting offshore. If you’re really ambitious, tackle a pre-sunrise hike to the top so you can grab a glorious photo of...
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Further along Kalanianaole Highway is the Makapuu Lighthouse hiking trail. This easy route with its moderate incline to the 647-ft. summit is a popular spot during whale season between December and April. This is a definite photo opportunity even when humpbacks aren’t spouting offshore. If you’re really ambitious, tackle a pre-sunrise hike to the top so you can grab a glorious photo of the sunrise. Less

The snorkeling is spectacular: live coral, many brilliant tropical fish and sea turtles to be experienced up close. This venue is perfect for...
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Fee: Yes
Duration of visit: 1-2 hours

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Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

About this expert

Dawna L. Robertson is a freelance travel writer specializing in stories from the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico, South Pacific, Asia and throughout the Western United States.

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